Karissa Murrell Myers, an exceptionally talented and accomplished individual, originates from the charming city of Boise, Idaho, where she took her first breath and spent her formative years, surrounded by the warmth and guidance of her devoted family, alongside her two younger siblings, who were equally fortunate to have been nurtured by the same loving environment.
As the firstborn, she exhibited an extraordinary aptitude for captivating and mesmerizing her audience, even at a remarkably tender age, which served as the precursor to her fervent enthusiasm for the performing arts, specifically theatre and drama, gradually taking shape and evolving over time.
At a remarkably young age of 16, she embarked upon a most audacious and ambitious academic journey, opting to concurrently pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in both acting and directing, accompanied by a minor in music, at the prestigious Boise State University. This extraordinary feat, achieved by few, if any, demonstrates her innate talent, unwavering dedication to her craft, and unrelenting passion for artistic expression.
Karissa's academic achievements reached unprecedented heights in 2008, as she proudly walked across the stage, diploma in hand, having graduated with honors from her esteemed institution, a testament to her unwavering dedication and unrelenting pursuit of excellence. This milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, as she embarked on a thrilling journey in the world of theatre, driven by an insatiable passion and unshakeable confidence in her craft.
She threw herself wholeheartedly into her craft, taking on dual roles as both director and actor, working alongside various local theatre companies to hone her skills and bring her artistic vision to life, a true manifestation of her artistic prowess and unwavering commitment to her craft. Among these ventures was her own company, The Broken Illusion Project, a creative endeavour that she founded, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for the performing arts, a true reflection of her innovative and visionary approach to the art form.
Karissa's insatiable thirst for knowledge and experience continued to intensify with each passing year, propelling her towards a bold and transformative decision in 2011. She chose to relocate to the vibrant and sun-drenched city of Honolulu, Hawaii, in order to pursue her Master of Fine Arts in Western Performance at the esteemed University of Hawaii at Manoa. This pivotal move marked a significant milestone in her academic and professional odyssey, as she sought to fully immerse herself in a novel cultural context and broaden her artistic horizons under the guidance of renowned professors and mentors.
Karissa's academic tenure at the university was distinguished by a remarkable trifecta of prestigious nominations from the renowned Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Irene Ryan Awards, acknowledging her outstanding stage presence and performances, thus providing a platform for her exceptional talent to be showcased to a broader audience.
Notably, she garnered widespread recognition for her exceptional talent by virtue of her representation of the University of Hawaii at numerous prestigious acting competitions, thereby cementing her reputation as a highly accomplished and skilled thespian, renowned for her remarkable abilities and exceptional prowess in the world of acting.
Karissa's extraordinary acting abilities were on full display as she brought Ruth to life in the production of Blithe Spirit at the esteemed Kennedy Theatre in Honolulu, a performance that would go on to garner her a prestigious Po'okela Award. This notable recognition serves as a testament to Karissa's remarkable talent and her capacity to mesmerize audiences with her captivating on-stage presence.
Karissa's life underwent a profound transformation during her sojourn in the breathtakingly beautiful Hawaiian paradise, where the serendipity of fate led her to cross paths with her future spouse, Mark Myers, a union that would eventually blossom into a lifelong partnership.
Years of love, laughter, and adventure followed, until the couple decided to seal their devotion with a sacred commitment, exchanging vows in the year 2013, thus marking the inception of their lifelong journey together, a journey that would be filled with joy, challenges, and countless memories.
Karissa's academic endeavors culminated in the successful completion of her master's degree in 2014, marking a significant milestone in her journey. With a newfound sense of confidence and a burning ambition to excel in the competitive world of acting, she made the courageous decision to uproot her life and relocate to the bustling metropolis of Chicago, Illinois. This bold move was motivated by a deep desire to further hone her craft, push her boundaries, and explore the vast array of opportunities that the city had to offer.
Karissa's exceptional abilities and unwavering commitment to her craft resulted in her being awarded prominent positions on the widely admired television series The Exorcist and Chicago MED, thereby cementing her reputation as a skilled and highly sought-after performer within the realm of the entertainment industry.
Karissa resides in the vibrant and dynamic city of Chicago, where the urban landscape is alive with an infectious energy that permeates every aspect of her daily life. It is here, amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, that she shares her home with her devoted husband Mark, a constant source of love, support, and companionship.
